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Radon Gas Overview
Radon is a radioactive gas that is both colorless and odorless. Radon forms from the natural decay of radioactive elements as they break down.
Radioactive elements are found naturally in soil and rock all across the globe, radon gas can then travel to the air, to underground water, and to surface water. Because of this, low levels of radon are normal to be found in the outdoors, and at slightly higher levels in buildings.
Radon gas is usually highest in basements and crawl spaces, which may be most exposed to cracks in floors and walls, construction joints, and gaps surrounding pipes and wires. Those who spend a great deal of time in the basement rooms of buildings have a greater risk of radon exposure.
The Link Between Radon and Cancer
While small amounts of exposure to radon are normal, high levels of radon, especially over longer periods of time, may lead to serious health complications. Indeed, lung cancer has been associated with radon gas exposure.
Radon gas found in the air can break down into miniscule radioactive elements known as radon progeny, which can then lodge in the lining of the lungs. Radiation like this can cause severe damage to the lung cells, eventually leading to lung cancer.
While it is well known that smoking cigarettes is the most common cause of lung cancer by far in the United States, it is not the only cause of lung cancer. It may not be as widely known that radon gas exposure is the second leading cause.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that about 20,000 lung cancer fatalities each year are caused by radon exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more Americans die from lung cancer each year than from any other type of cancer.
Even worse is when these two factors combine, and a cigarette smoker is exposed to radon gas. This combination creates an even greater risk for lung cancer.
One way to help protect yourself against radon exposure is to have your home tested and make sure you’re living in a building with safe radon levels.
